Chapter 16: Cracks through the Armor
Third Person
After the evacuation on Ambria, Mason and Tardin were walking alongside each other to inspect the troops. Both expected a Republic Invasion. But Mason isn't needed there.
He was being diverted elsewhere. Dooku had ordered him away from the front to handle his new post as head of intelligence.
Mason's POV
I sighed heavily "You sure you can handle the front?" Tardin only grunted "I am old, not senile."
I nodded "Yeah. Just not happy with the new arrangements." Tardin nodded and said "Whatever happens, I will always remember what you have done for my men. You destroyed your armies, to save mine."
I replied "A life is more valuable than machines." Tardin smirks and saluted as he said "Good bye general. Safe travels." I returns the salute and begins his walk to the starport where Conradin is.
I said "Thanks for the assist in the evacuations. Appreciate what you have done." He smiled "It was of no consequence. You handled yourself better than I thought."
I frowned, but ignored the comment. I replied "Let's go."
I look back before entering the craft. I see the fare city in front of me. The architecture. The high skylined building. The look on the people's face as they continue to go on about their lives. The Republic won't attack. Not yet.
Yet I can only think as I leave that this won't be an easy war. Clones proven to be vastly superior to the average droid. Obviously.
What I need more than ever are actual soldiers. Not droids. Yet to mobilize such a large force would be too costly. The only way I see victory is to wear down their war efforts.
But for now, I better prepare. Prepare for the worst to come as the Republic rebuilds its lost soldiers. Its lost equipment.
Or I may face the pains of slavery once again…"
Skylar's POV
I went back to the Jedi Temple...my heart aching...aching from the fact Mason is still alive. The same Mason from my youth.
I can still remember him. His clean cut face shines brightly through the darkness he suffered. He lived, no, fought through poverty; the abandonment of his father; the grief the sickness of his mom faced. I can only imagine him now. Living in the dreams of what he wanted. A family.
A family with me. Something we dreamed and planned for. A long time ago. Those dreams are still here with me. Resurging as fast as they were torn down by his 'death'. I can only hope he is faring well.
Even though I am a jedi...
Mason's POV
Skylar...my one true love...the love I wanted to be with. Why? Why must you be in the military? We were suppose to be together after the war. A unbreakable love.
Even though you are a Jedi…
Skylar's POV
...and I have feelings for you...you are still my enemy. An enemy with far more experience than me. Some one that perfected a mobile war. A war I must stop you from making possible.
Mason's POV
You are still in the way of my plans. A plan I promised. Promised my men. Promised the Mandalorians. Promised to myself. These 'MEN' must die! They must!
Skylar's POV
I got off the ship and entered the Jedi temple...finding all the books I can about war. Yet I still can't understand. There was one thing that just can't be you.
You talked of revenge back on Dooku's ship. Even if you didn't say it...I saw it in your eyes. You wanted revenge. Revenge for the one that hurt you…
Mason's POV
I exited Conradin's ship and went over to my base. I have to fill out requisition orders for more troops. I am also giving out more funding to the intelligence division as well. I need all the information I can get. But as I finished up the last of paper work, I just couldn't breath all of a sudden.
I just can't get over the fact that it has been so long. Too long…
I began searching through my jacket and pulled out a piece of folded paper. I unfolded it. It was still there. One was a picture of my mom. When she was younger and healthy with me. I was only 7 back then. Even with all the hardships, we lived. We fought. We won. We won so...we smiled. The old days were rough, but I still smiled back then. But I looked at the second photo.
A photograph of Skylar and I. When we were 18...I still remember it. It was the grad dance. She was in the most beautiful dress I can imagine. Something even the queen of Alderaan would envy. Or at least I think. Me. I was just wearing a cheap suit. With a red tie I got from the neighbours.
We still looked great together...even then...Even if we are so far apart…
Skylar's POV
I couldn't concentrate. I just can't. It was like something pecking at me. I returned to my chambers and closed the door. I pulled out the hologram emitter.
I opened it and it showed Mason and I together. For the graduation dance. I was in the dress my mom handed me down with. She told me that she bought it when she went to Alderaan for business. When I put it on, my father was stunned and loved it.
When I showed it Mason, he was shocked and astonished. He literally fell head over heels. He just couldn't believe it was me. I remember those words you told me "For you Skylar, everything. You are my princess...and I am the prince. Together, we can do everything."
My heart ached more. I felt my heart breaking. Breaking apart as I can remember every detail of the dance.
Skylar's and Mason's POV
We entered the gymnasium. It was pitch black with coloured lights illuminating the floor and walls. You took my hand and we began twirling and twisting around. It was like clockwork. Perfectly timed and perfectly synchronized. We forgot everything that happened in the darkness as the colours blinded everything around us.
I still remember that smile of yours. It was like watching the clean water of Naboo. The crystal clear water clashing with the smooth sand and grass. Absolutely stunning. I remember the laughs. The giggles. The quick embrace and kiss. It was like every dream come true. I love you.
.. and I will still keep love you.